Dr. S.K. Macharia mourns Raila: Kenya has lost an incredible statesman and patriot

In a statement on Wednesday, Dr. Macharia expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the veteran opposition leader, saying the loss was both personal and national.

“Words cannot describe what I feel today. I am utterly devastated. Raila Odinga was not just a brother and a friend; he was part of my life,” said Dr. Macharia. “He was a man I deeply cared for and a leader whose attributes always appealed to the depths of my beliefs.”

The media mogul recounted their close friendship, describing Raila as a figure whose courage and vision helped shape Kenya’s modern political landscape.

“My family and I have lost a family member, a great friend, and confidant. Kenya has lost an incredible statesman and a patriot,” he added.

Dr. Macharia hailed Raila’s lifelong sacrifices for democracy, recalling his years of detention, exile, and political struggle.

“Raila lived a life of enormous personal sacrifices. From jail to exile and back to jail; then the streets where his eyes and body suffered damage — Raila Odinga has paid more than his share of sacrifice for Kenya,” he said.

He credited the late Odinga with playing a central role in achieving key democratic milestones in the country.

“We owe our new Constitution to Raila Odinga. We owe Devolution to Raila Odinga. We owe the independence of our Judiciary to Raila Odinga,” Dr. Macharia noted. “May his spirit continue guiding our unrelenting quest for good, accountable, and transparent governance in Kenya.”

Reflecting on the loss, Dr. Macharia said Raila’s absence leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.

“The days ahead in Kenya will not and will never be the same without Raila Odinga,” he lamented.

In his message of condolence, the Royal Media Services chairman also extended sympathy to Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, and the entire Odinga family.

“To Mama Ida, Raila’s children, and my fellow Kenyans, let us march on in our collective journey and in the same path Raila would always wish us. This is our loss. This is our most grievous loss,” he said